We’ve been told that sunscreen is our first line of defense against skin cancer — that skipping it is practically inviting danger. But what if the truth is more complicated?

Despite decades of public health campaigns urging daily sunscreen use, skin cancer rates continue to rise worldwide. So, is the sun the real problem… or could part of the issue lie in what’s inside our sunscreen bottles?

Sunscreen Was Designed to Protect — But Not All Sunscreens Are Created Equal

Let’s start with this: the sun is not the enemy.
Our bodies are designed to interact with sunlight — it helps regulate circadian rhythm, mood, and vitamin D production. The real question isn’t whether sunscreen is “good” or “bad” — it’s what kind of sunscreen you’re using and what it’s doing inside your body.

Many commercial sunscreens contain ingredients that go beyond skin protection — they enter the bloodstream.
The FDA has confirmed that active chemicals like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate are systemically absorbed after a single application — and can remain detectable for days (Matta et al., JAMA, 2020).

These chemicals were never tested for chronic internal exposure. Yet we’re told to apply them daily and liberally.

The Hidden Problems Inside Conventional Sunscreens

Let’s break down what’s really happening beneath the surface:

Endocrine Disruption

Some chemical filters mimic or interfere with hormone signaling.

• Oxybenzone has been linked to estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity.
• Homosalate may disrupt progesterone and androgen balance.
• Animal and cell studies show these compounds can impact thyroid and reproductive function (Krause et al., Int J Androl, 2012).

For individuals already struggling with hormonal imbalances — thyroid issues, PMS, or fertility concerns — these exposures can add to the body’s toxic load.

Inflammatory and Oxidative Effects

When UV light hits certain chemical filters, they can break down and generate free radicals — the very oxidative stress that sunscreen is meant to prevent. This can damage DNA and accelerate skin aging (Hayden et al., Free Radic Biol Med, 2005).

Environmental Concerns

It’s not just our bodies — it’s our planet. Chemical sunscreens like oxybenzone and octinoxate contribute to coral reef bleaching and aquatic toxicity. That’s why Hawaii and several island nations have banned them entirely.

Misleading SPF Focus

SPF measures protection from UVB (burning rays) — not UVA (aging and cancer-linked rays). Many high-SPF products block burns but not deeper damage, creating a false sense of safety. People end up staying in the sun longer, increasing total UV exposure.

The Safer, Smarter Way to Protect Your Skin

Functional Medicine isn’t anti-sunscreen — it’s about using the right kind and supporting your skin’s natural defenses from within.

Switch to mineral-based sunscreens.

Choose zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (non-nano forms). These minerals act as physical barriers — they sit on the skin’s surface and reflect UV rays, rather than being absorbed. They’re also reef-safe and less likely to cause irritation.

Feed your skin antioxidants.

Nutrients like vitamin C, E, selenium, carotenoids, and polyphenols strengthen your skin’s resilience against UV stress.

• Astaxanthin and lycopene have been shown to reduce UV-induced inflammation.
• Green tea extract (EGCG) supports DNA repair and reduces oxidative damage.

Mind your vitamin D.

Daily sunscreen use — especially with full coverage — can lead to vitamin D deficiency. Low vitamin D has been linked to higher risks of multiple cancers, including melanoma.
Get your levels checked and talk to your provider about supplementation if needed.

Support detoxification.

If you’ve used chemical sunscreens for years, focus on detox pathways. The liver, gut, and skin work together to clear endocrine disruptors.

• Eat cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale).
• Stay hydrated.
• Support glutathione production with sulfur-rich foods and NAC if needed.

The Bigger Picture

The increase in skin cancer likely isn’t from “not enough sunscreen” — it’s from a complex mix of factors: more time indoors (and less balanced light exposure), chronic inflammation, poor nutrition, and yes, daily use of synthetic UV filters that disrupt our biology.

The goal isn’t to ditch sunscreen — it’s to upgrade it.

Your skin is your largest organ. What you put on it shouldn’t need a toxicology report.

At Radiant Health & Wellness, we teach patients that health isn’t about blocking nature — it’s about partnering with it. Protect your skin wisely, nourish your body deeply, and let your relationship with the sun be one of balance, not fear.

References & Resources

1. Matta, M. K., et al. (2020). Effect of sunscreen application on plasma concentration of sunscreen active ingredients. JAMA, 323(3), 256–267.
2. Krause, M., et al. (2012). Sunscreens: Are they beneficial for health? An overview of endocrine disrupting properties of UV-filters. Int J Androl, 35(3), 424–436.
3. Hayden, C. G. J., et al. (2005). Free radical formation by sunscreens in the skin. Free Radic Biol Med, 39(7), 970–979.
4. He, T., et al. (2016). Lycopene, lutein, and beta-carotene supplementation and skin photoprotection. Nutrients, 8(9), 595.
5. Holick, M. F. (2007). Vitamin D deficiency. N Engl J Med, 357(3), 266–281.

Environmental Working Group (EWG) Sunscreen Guide —<a href="https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen"> www.ewg.org/sunscreen</a>